Drinking Water Advocates Stress Unmet Needs at Budget Hearing

Chair of Assembly Budget Subcommittee #3, Richard Bloom, demonstrated interest and concern for the safe drinking water needs discussed at the April 27th hearing.

This morning, CWC’s Co-Executive Director Laurel Firestone and close ally Jennifer Clary of Clean Water Action testified at the Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Resources and Transportation Hearing to speak on California drinking water needs. They stressed the need for immediate and permanent drinking water solutions for disadvantaged and low-income households; improved access to safe drinking water in schools; funding for water efficiency and water metering; and improved data collection of California's drinking water crisis, particularly in our state water systems and private well communities.

Laurel and Jennifer sat alongside Felicia Marcus, Chair of the State Water Resources Control Board, who discussed the Board's priorities for ensuring all communities have access to safe, drinking water.

Laurel and Jennifer’s expert testimony serves as a critical opportunity to speak directly to Assembly Budget Committee members and bring attention to the disproportionate drinking water challenges faced by California’s small, low-income communities which have not been adequately addressed by the appropriations outlined in the current budget or through existing funding sources, such as Proposition 1 and the Cleanup and Abatement Fund.

Our drinking water allies from Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability, California Food Policy Advocates, and Rural Community Assistance Corporation also provided comments at the hearing to express their support and emphasize the need for increased funding for safe, affordable water in California's disadvantaged and low-income communities and schools.

CWC and allies continue to stress to the Administration and the Legislature the importance and need for an ongoing source of sustainable funding to secure safe, clean and affordable drinking water and sanitation (the Human Right to Water) for all Californians. However, Laurel and Jennifer's testimony and our current advocacy efforts focus on the need for a substantial and immediate investment now through the 2016-2017 budget to help meet drinking water needs.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Debi Ores, (916)706-3346, Debi.Ores@CommunityWaterCenter.org Sacramento – This week, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) approved the 2017-2018 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Intended Use Plan...